Hyundai Sonata Owner Reviews

Top Positive Review

"You will find this system incredibly valuable and stress-reducing if you find yourself in traffic on a regular basis"

Stanley»UT»2016 Hyundai SonataPurchased May 2016|Verified

The Sonata Hybrid gets fantastic fuel mileage, has tons of power (torque), and as a result, is a pleasure to drive in both the city and on the highway. It has very low NVH and unbeatable new vehicle and hybridbattery warranties. Inside and out, the design is conservative and will age very well, helping make it easier to take advantage of Hyundai's fantastic warranties. As for the interior design, everything is very cleanly laid out with every function very easy to find at a moment's notice. The infotainment is of particularly great quality with the touch functionality (scrolling) being very responsive. In addition, I have noticed essentially no input lag. This lack of lag is especially noticeable when inputting addresses in the navigation system. You can enter information as fast as your fingers can hit the letters.
Filled with the latest tech features, the full start/stop auto cruise control is a particularly well designed system. I use it the entire time that I am on the highway (60mi/day) and have found it to be very adjustable and quite accurate, even reliably picking up motorcyclists (I always keep my foot hovering over the brake when following motorcyclists). You will find this system incredibly valuable and stress-reducing if you find yourself in traffic on a regular basis.
All in all, the fit and finish of this vehicle is superb and the value for the money, especially with the incentives currently available, drove me to make a purchase that I did not intend on making for many years to come. The "welcome chime" that is included with the vehicle needs to have a setting to turn it on and off. In the manual, there is a setting listed to turn the chime off, but this setting is not actually included in the vehicle.

Top Critical Review

"The car is now four months old and has 3900 miles on it"

Dennis»LA»2017 Hyundai SonataPurchased Nov 2016|Verified

The car is now four months old and has 3900 miles on it. Since the time of purchase, the vehicle has had two dead starts on me, and one idle shut down when the car was heating up on a cold morning!! Also the fabric the roof and sun visors are made of has started to fall apart, and I almost never touch these things!!

"For example, I asked for "Foot Traffic," and it told me where the closest electronics store was located"

K»OR»2016 Hyundai Sonata|Purchased Feb 2016|Verified

It is a hybrid, currently getting approximately 500 miles per fill up. It's also extremely comfortable and is a good looking car. Did I mention the sunroof extends to the back seat? I love my car, but I wish the audio panel would show the name of each radio song on the home screen. Also, I wish the car's phone system worked better with iPhones. The voice recognition system is still rocky, not understanding the names of local stores. For example, I asked for "Foot Traffic," and it told me where the closest electronics store was located. Sadly, that was not atypical.

Updated on Aug 6, 2016

I wish the NAV system was compatible with Apple iPhones. I wish there was a digital readout of the vehicle's speed that was always visible. The cupholders are not adjustable, so they are too big for most fans or bottles. Last, and most important to me, the paintcolor choices were boring. The options for the gas engine Sonata were fine, but not for the hybrid. I would pay more to be able to have a better paint color, or one of my choice.

Originally Reviewed on Jul 1, 2016

I wish my text messages would appear on the screen, I was very surprised that they don't. I wish there had been a AWDoption for my vehicle. Why don't sedans have rearview windshield wipers?Why Android only (& not Apple)? The USB jack is good for connectivity only and does a poor job recharging. There should be recharging USB jacks located by the front seats (& probably at least one for the rear seats) that are not enclosed. I love my enclosed middle storage space, but have to keep its door open most of the tome so I can charge my phone. Frankly, the color choices were terrible: terrifically bland for the most part. The colors for the non-hybrid Sonatas were better. I do not understand why essentially the same model had different color choices. I picked the best choice out of the limited selection, but I would have liked to see brighter colors available, including PURPLE. I love my hybrid Sonata!

"I am thrilled that I bought this vehicle"

Jimmy»CA»2016 Hyundai Sonata|Purchased Apr 2016|Verified

Hyundai has come a long way, and the 2016 Sonata Hybrid I currently drive is comparable to the other brands I was considering, Toyota Camry Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid. Luckily the test drive and vehicle won me over.

Originally Reviewed on Jul 26, 2016

Vehicle—love the car! Just went on a car vacation and just have a few items that wasn't necessary, but was wishing it was equipped: artist & song titles listed on the screen for FM stations, temperature control on the steering wheel, fuel costs graphics/calculations screen as competition brand, couldn't fit our large cooler in the trunk, and most important, b/c the trip involved two very remote areas, a spare tire would have made me feel more comfortable. Thankfully we did not need one or use the flat tire repair kit. Being its a hybrid, I know not having a spare tire is a weight-cutting measure. One last issue is noise: very quiet ride and love it that way, though now around 6500 miles, hearing little squeaks in the dash area with the radio off and small on and off rattling under the front of the vehicle at slow speeds. Not sure if these sounds were there before, when the car was new and just now noticing them. Very happy that I was getting upwards of 50 mpg in a roomy car and in sport mode the pick up to merge on freeways feels awesome. I am thrilled that I bought this vehicle.

"You will find this system incredibly valuable and stress-reducing if you find yourself in traffic on a regular basis"

Stanley»UT»2016 Hyundai Sonata|Purchased May 2016|Verified

The Sonata Hybrid gets fantastic fuel mileage, has tons of power (torque), and as a result, is a pleasure to drive in both the city and on the highway. It has very low NVH and unbeatable new vehicle and hybridbattery warranties. Inside and out, the design is conservative and will age very well, helping make it easier to take advantage of Hyundai's fantastic warranties. As for the interior design, everything is very cleanly laid out with every function very easy to find at a moment's notice. The infotainment is of particularly great quality with the touch functionality (scrolling) being very responsive. In addition, I have noticed essentially no input lag. This lack of lag is especially noticeable when inputting addresses in the navigation system. You can enter information as fast as your fingers can hit the letters.
Filled with the latest tech features, the full start/stop auto cruise control is a particularly well designed system. I use it the entire time that I am on the highway (60mi/day) and have found it to be very adjustable and quite accurate, even reliably picking up motorcyclists (I always keep my foot hovering over the brake when following motorcyclists). You will find this system incredibly valuable and stress-reducing if you find yourself in traffic on a regular basis.
All in all, the fit and finish of this vehicle is superb and the value for the money, especially with the incentives currently available, drove me to make a purchase that I did not intend on making for many years to come. The "welcome chime" that is included with the vehicle needs to have a setting to turn it on and off. In the manual, there is a setting listed to turn the chime off, but this setting is not actually included in the vehicle.

"Electric defrost pads under the windshield wipers, also tied to bluelink remote starts
The door handles should unlock the ca..."

Seth»NC»2016 Hyundai Sonata|Purchased Jul 2016|Verified

Here are the biggest things this car is missing:
Rear windshield wiper
For the bluelink remote start, you need to be able to turn on the seat, steering wheel, and rear defrost heat as well.
USB-C charging port. This part is important, because in one or two years all phones will use it. It needs a full 3-amp charging output. 2.4A for any USB-A ports. The current USB port is pitiful and my phone drains faster than it charges.
Electric defrost pads under the windshield wipers, also tied to bluelink remote starts
The door handles should unlock the car when you grab them, no need to push a button.

"The only thing I was disappointed in was the engine's lack of "pick-up""

Maria»SC»2016 Hyundai Sonata|Purchased Apr 2016|Verified

My Sonata is only 4 months old, but I have taken two very long driving trips in it. It was great to have so many features that helped with all that driving, including the navigation, rear back-up mirror, blind spot detection, good sound system, customization of certain features, and the Bluetooth capability to play my many playlists on my iPhone. I always felt safe driving it in many conditions, including some at elevations between 8,000 - 12,000 feet! The only thing I was disappointed in was the engine's lack of "pick-up". My 2006 Sonata had more. When going uphill, this new Sonata often really struggled.

Originally Reviewed on Jun 6, 2016

I love my 2016 Hyundai Sonata, and feel very good whenever I am driving it.

"I love the amenities in this car and it is a pleasure to drive"

Mary»CT»2016 Hyundai Sonata|Purchased May 2016|Verified

I own the Hyundai Plug-in Hybrid and I love it. Majority of my driving is around town or within a 13 mile range. When the battery is fully charged It's such a good feeling knowing I am running on electric and not burning any gas! I have been filling my tank once a month unless I take a long trip. I love the amenities in this car and it is a pleasure to drive.

Originally Reviewed on Sep 27, 2016

I only have one complaint. When I purchased the car I had a 3 month trial of Bluelink Service which allowed me to remotely lock and start my car as well as some other functions. It worked on my Android phone the first month and then stopped. Apparently the error code indicated that BlueLink would no longer run due to some security concerns they had with Androidsecurity system. Although it worked on my Windows tablet, I did not renew this service.

Rear windshield wipers should be standard! Compass should be standard. I was very disappointed that they were not included. I am not pleased with not being able to use BlueLink navigation! My foot caught above the gas pedal sometimes when I go to move it to the brake. This could be dangerous and it should be looked into. I only wear a size eleven shoe, so it could be very dangerous for people with large size shoes. I like the left foot rest! Great car!!

"After starting the car and engaging reverse, pop ups appear at the top of the back up camera screen telling me radio station, b..."

GREG»FL»2016 Hyundai Sonata|Purchased Jan 2016|Verified

Emergency brake does not grab to my satisfaction on inclines where other vehicles I've owned have had no issue.
On occasion, the driver's side mirror does not readjust up to the normal position when I shift in to drive.
After starting the car and engaging reverse, pop ups appear at the top of the back up camera screen telling me radio station, blue tooth, phone connect, etc. - at NO time should any infromation appear on the screen when the back up camera is in operation.

"Over all the features that I did not pay too much attention but have had the greatest impact are: the head rest, it holds my he..."

Sergio»CA»2016 Hyundai Sonata|Purchased May 2016|Verified

Over all the features that I did not pay too much attention but have had the greatest impact are: the head rest, it holds my head instead of pushing it up; the drive mode button, i don't like using sport mode at all, but there are some occasions when a driver is being rude and driving the same speed as I am, sports mode really helps to get out of that knot in the road; And finally, the MPG display, that way I get the most miles from my fuel.

"My only complaint is that there seems to be no way to disable the charging cable lock when the car is locked (an option on most..."

Karen»CA»2017 Hyundai Sonata|Purchased Dec 2016|Verified

My only complaint is that there seems to be no way to disable the charging cable lock when the car is locked (an option on most other EVs and PHEVs). We have free charging stations at work that are not accessible to the public. My only option for using this system is to leave my car completely unlocked before and during charging.

"Very happy with our new Sonata Hybrid"

Very happy with our new Sonata Hybrid. Love the gas mileage, size, and the level of comfort. We've put on 12K miles in 5 months, averaging better than 41 mpg.

Originally Reviewed on Oct 24, 2016

Great attention to detail. Really impressed with how seamless the hybriddrivetrain is. Hybrid without excuses. Wish the Panoramic sunroof had been available without requiring the "ultimate" option package. Overall, I'm glad we went ahead and got the "ultimate" package but at the time it felt like a $4500 sunroof.

"I really like my new 2016 Lakeside Blue Hyundai Sonata Sport"

David»KY»2016 Hyundai Sonata|Purchased Aug 2016|Verified

I really like my new 2016 Lakeside Blue Hyundai Sonata Sport. I love the new bold sporty look of the car and the safety that it puts forth with having a five star crash test, I used to have a 2008 Infiniti M35X, and it was a very high premium car, but it didn't even have a five star crash test, so I feel much safer with my Hyundai and the luxurious elegant styling and look of it.

"The charger it comes with makes the electric option really convenient, too"

Iona»CA»2016 Hyundai Sonata|Purchased May 2016|Verified

I feel like the Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid gives me the best of everything. I don't have range anxiety, because it can also use gasoline, but I feel like I'm being a good steward of the environment by using the electric option. The charger it comes with makes the electric option really convenient, too.

"Please consider these in future design"

Sumanth»NC»2016 Hyundai Sonata|Purchased Mar 2016|Verified

The most annoying & painful thing of my new 2016 Hyundai Sonata is the hard surface at right knee side. I don't understand why Hyundai chose to use that hard plastic piece where on the passenger side, it is soft plastic. Comfort shouldn't be compromised on basis of painful material. When you are on the highway and the car is in cruise, your right knee hurts very badly and you cannot enjoy the driving and have a relaxed journey. Also I observed the fuel tank mouth is so shorter than the 2006 Hyundai Sonata's that it easily over spills. I have '02 Acura TL, which has long and excess fuel hole to redirect the gas to wheels rather than spilling on body panel of car. Please consider these in future design. Thanks.

"My wife loves it as well, and we all know what they say: "Happy wife, happy life""

Bruce»NV»2016 Hyundai Sonata|Purchased Jun 2016|Verified

I am truly loving this car. I am still learning what it can do, and I find myself watching gages and being amazed at the way it switches from gas to motors to power the vehicle. Still laugh when I push the start and there is no sound, but I put it in drive and it goes. So much fun. And the mileage, double what I was getting in my old rig that I traded in. My wife loves it as well, and we all know what they say: "Happy wife, happy life"!

"The other issue is with the transmission not being very smooth upon acceleration/gear changing"

Hamlet»CA»2016 Hyundai Sonata|Purchased Jul 2016|Verified

In terms of issues that I've had the most serious one is a malfunction of the Automatic Emergency Braking system, which erroneously stopped my car to a standstill while I was going over 40 miles per hour on the street. There was nothing, not even vehicles ahead of me, and all the sudden in a matter of what seemed like two seconds I was going over 40 miles, and it brought me to a dead stop. I am convinced I would've been seriously hurt or even killed had the car behind me not swerved out of the way. The other issue is with the transmission not being very smooth upon acceleration/gear changing. I can live with that but not with the AEB system malfunctioning. I manually turn it off each time I start the car.

"Consider placing the limited wheels on the sport models"

Ozzie»CA»2017 Hyundai Sonata|Purchased Oct 2016|Verified

Nice wheels on the sport model, but the Honda Accord Sport really stepped its game up. Do not undervalue the impact wheels make to a vehicle. Consider placing the limited wheels on the sport models. You almost lost me. I was willing to pay almost 60/more a month for the Accord.

"I hope that in the future auto braking and swiveling headlights are available"

Robert»NJ»2016 Hyundai Sonata|Purchased Dec 2015|Verified

Our first new Sonata was a 2015 GLS. We traded it in for a new 2015 GLS sonata. That car was hit and totaled at 6000 miles by a person going thru a stop sign. We then purchased a 2016 Sonata Sport that was hit by a wrong-way driver at 600 miles. We were not injured during either major accident, proving that Sonatas are safe cars. I hope that in the future auto braking and swiveling headlights are available.

Originally Reviewed on Jan 27, 2016

2015 Sonata 6000 miles totaled by a driver who ran a stop sign, 2016 Sonata 600 miles $8500 damage from wrong-way driver in repair shop for last 30 days, proves Sonatas are a safe car.

"I have a 15 year old son that is learning to drive and the features are great for him, example: Lane change warning, back up ca..."

Susan»FL»2016 Hyundai Sonata|Purchased Apr 2016|Verified

I have owned luxury cars in the past and am very impressed by the Hyundai Santa Fe. Someone thought just today that I was driving a Mercedes. I love all of the bells and whistles on this car! I have a 15 year old son that is learning to drive and the features are great for him, example: Lane change warning, back up camera, side mirror warnings.

"Needs to remain in the EV mode longer and engage the EV mode faster after acceleration"

Walter»FL»2017 Hyundai Sonata|Purchased Nov 2016|Verified

Needs to remain in the EV mode longer and engage the EV mode faster after acceleration. Needs adjustment to stay in EV mode when accelerating to keep up with traffic. If I were to accelerate to keep it in EV mode, I would have 20 cars blowing there horns at me or worse. Should be able to press on gas pedal without loosing EV mode function right away. Please advise me if and when some of these adjustments can be made.

"the 'manual' mode of the transmission is great"

Jason»AR»2016 Hyundai Sonata|Purchased Aug 2016|Verified

Needs more insulation in the roof.
needs ability to adjust steering setting in sport mode.
eco-mode shifts too soon.
the seats are great.
overall, the transmission is great.
the 'manual' mode of the transmission is great.
a body of this size should come standard with 18 inch wheels.
the body needs to be more curvy on the sides/fenders.

"Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with the ultimate package is great, however, I thought that AEB was part of the package as it is part of ..."

Fred»TX»2017 Hyundai Sonata|Purchased Apr 2017|Verified

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with the ultimate package is great, however, I thought that AEB was part of the package as it is part of the non-hybrid ultimate package. Please consider including AEB as part of the package in the future. If feasible, please consider an aftermarket AEB for the 2017 and 2016 model years.

"Brakes still binding—only have 1900 miles on car, will bring it to attention of dealer"

PA»PA»2016 Hyundai Sonata|Purchased Jul 2016|Verified

Brakes still binding—only have 1900 miles on car, will bring it to attention of dealer. Am disappointed with heating element in real window, the upper three inches of the window do not defrost (clear window of fog).

"One thing that almost made me not purchase was the lack of fold-down back seats"

SCOTT»FL»2016 Hyundai Sonata|Purchased Oct 2015|Verified

The Sonata Hybrid SE is an excellent all around car. I'm four months in and easily beating both of the EPA mpg numbers. One thing that almost made me not purchase was the lack of fold-down back seats. [it is offered on the Limited, but at an almost $4000 up-charge b/c you're forced into may other features]. It should have been standard across the line, seems like a cheap move.

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